
ARK's Ice Cream Chew Necklace - Multi-Textured Sensory Support
ARK's Ice Cream Chew Necklace is a wearable oral sensory tool made by ARK Therapeutic from FDA-compliant, medical-grade elastomer. Shaped like an ice cream cone, it provides a safe and discreet outlet for anyone who needs to chew, helping to support self-regulation, focus, and calm. The pendant is free from BPA, latex, lead, phthalates, and PVC, and is manufactured in Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
How It Helps
What sets the Ice Cream Chew Necklace apart is its dual-texture design. The cone section features ribbed cross-hatching, while the scoop section has raised sprinkle-style bumps - giving different sensory experiences depending on where and how the pendant is chewed. The pendant measures approximately 5.8cm tall, 3.3cm at the widest point of the scoop, around 1cm thick on the cone, and 1.3cm thick on the scoop. Its shape makes it particularly well suited to those who prefer chewing with their front teeth.
The necklace comes on a 76cm (30 inch) adjustable breakaway cord that releases safely under pressure. It can be shortened to suit the wearer and cleaned either by handwashing or on the top rack of a dishwasher. Each necklace is sold individually in a choice of colour and toughness level - Standard (softest, for mild chewers), XT Medium Firm (for moderate chewers), or XXT Very Firm (for avid chewers) - so it can be matched precisely to the individual's oral sensory needs.
Why It Works Well in Schools and Classrooms
- Discreet and easy to wear: worn as a necklace throughout the school day, it provides continuous access to sensory input without disrupting lessons or drawing attention to individual pupils.
- Reduces disruptive oral habits: providing a dedicated chewing outlet can help minimise chewing on clothing, pencils, and fingers - supporting a calmer classroom environment and protecting uniform and equipment.
- Suitable from age 3 upwards: appropriate across early years through to secondary school and beyond, giving SENCOs a single product that works across a broad age range.
- Three matched toughness levels: staff can select the right level for each pupil's oral sensory needs without requiring separate product ranges, keeping procurement simple and cost-effective.
- Safety-tested materials: medical-grade construction and FDA-compliant materials give schools and settings confidence when recommending or supplying these tools as part of a sensory diet or EHCP provision.
For Home Use
Parents and carers will find the Ice Cream Chew Necklace practical for everyday use at home, during travel, and in social settings. The playful ice cream design appeals to children who might be reluctant to use a more clinical-looking chew tool, encouraging them to wear and use it consistently.
The Evidence Behind Sensory Chew Tools
For individuals with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, or anxiety, oral sensory-seeking - including chewing - is a recognised way of gaining proprioceptive input that supports self-regulation. Providing a safe, dedicated chewing outlet can reduce disruptive oral behaviours and support focus during learning. ARK Therapeutic was founded by a speech-language pathologist and a mechanical engineer, and their products reflect over 25 years of clinical and practical expertise.
Ready to Order?
Select your preferred colour and toughness level from the options above. Each necklace is sold individually with a breakaway cord included. If you are unsure which level to choose, ARK's free Chewing Guide is available for download below.
- Dual-texture ice cream cone design: ribbed cross-hatching on the cone section and raised sprinkle bumps on the scoop, offering varied tactile and oral sensory input
- Three colour-coded toughness levels: Standard (softest, for mild chewers), XT Medium Firm (for moderate chewers), XXT Very Firm (for avid chewers)
- Colour options by level: Standard - Red, Magenta, Yellow; XT - Lime Green, Hot Pink, Bright Blue; XXT - Royal Blue, Lavender, Orange
- Pendant dimensions: approximately 5.8cm tall, 3.3cm at the widest point of the scoop, 1cm thick on the cone, 1.3cm thick on the scoop
- Cord length: 76cm (30 inches) adjustable breakaway cord - can be shortened by retying; releases safely under pressure
- Material: medical-grade elastomer - FDA compliant, free from BPA, latex, lead, phthalates, and PVC
- Age suitability: recommended for ages 3 years and upwards
- Best suited to: those who prefer chewing with their front teeth
- Cleaning: handwash with warm soapy water, or top-rack dishwasher safe
- Manufactured in: Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Package contents: 1 x Ice Cream Chew Pendant with breakaway necklace cord
- Not a toy: the cord and clasp are not intended for chewing; supervise at all times and replace at the first sign of wear
- What is the ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace?
The ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace is a wearable oral sensory tool shaped like an ice cream cone, made from medical-grade elastomer and designed for children aged 3 and upwards and adults. It features ribbed cross-hatching on the cone and raised sprinkle bumps on the scoop, and is worn on a 76cm adjustable breakaway cord. It is available in three colour-coded toughness levels to suit different levels of chewing intensity. - Who is the ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace suitable for?
The ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace is suitable for any child or adult who has a need to chew for sensory reasons. It is particularly helpful for individuals with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder (SPD), or anxiety. It is recommended from age 3 upwards, making it appropriate from early years settings through to secondary school and adult use. - How does the ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace help with sensory processing?
Chewing provides proprioceptive input that can support self-regulation, focus, and calm. The ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace gives individuals a safe, consistent oral sensory outlet, helping to reduce disruptive behaviours such as chewing on clothing, pencils, or fingers. The dual-texture design - ribbed cone and bumpy scoop - provides varied sensory input that supports different sensory-seeking needs. - How do I choose the right toughness level for the ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace?
The necklace is available in three levels: Standard (softest, for mild chewers who do not generally chew through things), XT Medium Firm (for moderate chewers), and XXT Very Firm (for avid or heavy chewers). If you are unsure, ARK's free Chewing Guide or the online Chew Quiz can help you identify the right level for your child or the person you are supporting. - Is the ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace safe for use in schools?
Yes. The ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace is made from medical-grade elastomer that is FDA compliant and free from BPA, latex, lead, phthalates, and PVC. The breakaway cord is designed to release safely under pressure. It is discreet and worn as a necklace, making it easy to use throughout the school day without disrupting lessons. - What age is the ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace suitable for?
The ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace is recommended for ages 3 years and upwards. It is not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts on the cord and clasp. It is appropriate for use across early years, primary school, secondary school, and into adulthood. - How do I clean the ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace?
The ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace can be handwashed with warm water and mild soap, or placed on the top rack of a dishwasher. It should be thoroughly dried before use. Regularly inspect the pendant for signs of wear and replace it if any damage is found. - Does the ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace help with ADHD?
Oral sensory tools like the ARK Ice Cream Chew Necklace can help individuals with ADHD by providing a focused sensory outlet that supports concentration and self-regulation. Chewing is a recognised sensory-seeking behaviour in ADHD, and redirecting it to a safe, dedicated chew tool may reduce fidgeting and improve focus during tasks. It is not a medical treatment, but is widely used by occupational therapists and SENCOs as part of a sensory support plan.